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Litterboxes 101

There are many things to love about cats. They’re absolutely adorable, lots of fun, great to snuggle with, and highly entertaining. Fluffy is also very clean. She’ll use her own personal litterbox to do her business, saving you the hassle of having to take her out for walks. Read on as a local Los Gatos, CA vet discusses … the litterbox.

Setup

Make sure your cat’s powder room is in a private spot that isn’t too hot or cold, and is easy for her to reach. If you have more than one cat, you’ll need several boxes. We generally recommend getting one box per kitty, plus at least one extra. Some cats can be quite purrticular about their litterboxes. Pay attention to Fluffy, and see if she seems to prefer certain brands.

Odor Busting

Fluffy’s bathroom is convenient, but it can get, well, rather stinky. The best way to beat foul litterbox odors is to clean your furry buddy’s box daily. You can look into getting litterboxes that make this easier, either by automation or design. Setting out pet-safe plants near your cat’s box will also help. The ASPCA has a full list of safe options here. Last but not least, experiment with different deodorizing and air freshening products.

Camouflage

Litterboxes aren’t exactly an improvement to anyone’s décor. One clever way to hide your cat’s bathroom is to conceal it within an end table with doors. Just cut a hole in one side for Fluffy to access. This also works with wooden or wicker trunks, storage chests, and plastic totes. Another option is to put an attractive folding screen in front of your pet’s bathroom. You can also find furniture online that is custom-made to hide litterboxes. These may be more expensive, but they’re both attractive and useful.

Warning Signs

When you change Fluffy’s litter, keep a close eye out for changes in the odor, amount, color, or texture of her waste. These can be indications of some very serious medical issues. You may also want to ask your vet about using litters that change color when certain health problems are detected. Also, if you ever see your kitty straining to go, call your vet immediately. This is a serious red flag!

Please do not hesitate to contact us for your cat’s veterinary care needs. As your local Los Gatos, CA animal hospital, we are happy to help!